Because of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?

—Mary Oliver

We are celebrating one year since we brought our dog Stella home from the shelter. Ostensibly, our family adopted a dog for Miles—who asked for one every day for nearly five years—but she’s been both a balm and joy to all of us, maybe me most of all.

Our life with Stella has been unexpected. Much of what I anticipated would be a bother or burden of having a dog—house-training accidents, destruction, mischievousness—has not come to pass. But much of what I fantasized about, particularly Stella accompanying me on my long walks about town, did not take shape in the way I expected either. Stella, estimated age three when we adopted her, came from a rural county, and our busy urban neighborhood was both overwhelming and overstimulating to her. She is happiest and most at ease off-leash in our urban forest park.

At a point in my parenting when my kids are approaching independence, Stella fulfills my need to be needed. In a year that has been punctuated by worry and grief, her needs are a welcome distraction. She is my shadow, but devoted to all of us. She is transparent and effusive with her love. She loves companionship more than any treat (but, oh, she loves food!) She dances with joy when someone returns from taking the trash out. We learn from her. We stop trying to be so cool. She completes us.

I encourage anyone considering a dog to adopt a rescue. Stella came from the Oregon Humane Society, but there are many non-profit organizations willing to work with you to match a dog to your lifestyle and personality—you will end up with a much better fit than choosing a dog based on appearance alone.